I have shared a must-to-do list here and I hope it will solve your hassle and save you time and money.
Things you must/should do as soon as possible as newcomers
SIM card: At first buy a sim card and you should check different offers based on your needs before buying a sim card.
Scam Calls: you will receive scam calls regularly(for example, you may get calls from DHL/FedEx, Canada Border Services Agency etc – these are fake!). Don’t share your SIN number, Bank information, passport number and personal info with them. If you get confused, just talk to people who you trust or know properly.
Google Map: Install Google Map on your mobile phone and get familiar with it and you will not be lost in the country. Google map is amazing and you will love it.
Compass Card: Buy a compass card from a train station. You will see a T sign near the station. With the card, you can ride on public transport (train, bus and sea bus).
Groceries and other stuff: To buy groceries and day-to-day necessities, go to Dollar Tree, Dollarrama and Walmart or Real Canadian superstore because you will find the cheapest products there. For deshi and Indian foods, visit Fruticana and other Indian and deshi shops.
If you have a family with you then you should buy a Costco membership card and you can buy products at the lowest price but you have to buy in a bulk.
SIN number: Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN – a 9-digit number) in your nearest Service Canada Centre. However, never share your SIN number with anyone except the employers who need the number to keep records and pay you money (also for Tax filing).
Bank account: open a bank account and get a VISA or Mastercard. Most people go to RBC or ScotiaBank for this purpose.
ID Card: for the Province of British Columbia, go to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) driver licensing office and confirm you are a B.C. resident. Your ID card is very important to residing in Canada. Without this ID, you must keep your passport with you.
Student ID: get your student ID from your educational institution.
Insurance: if you are going to live in the Province of British Columbia, apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Otherwise, ‘guard me’ is an alternative option for you.
Driving license: having a driving licence is very critical for moving and travelling across Canada. Sometimes, different job posts require people who can drive. So, sit for a knowledge test as soon as possible.
Meet community people: You can find people from your community online (Facebook, WhatsApp groups) and offline (Masjid) and they can also help you get jobs. Build your network and develop your communication skills.
Jobs (part-time and full-time):
Uber: Lots of students do food delivery with Uber and you can earn good money. Moreover, you have the freedom to choose when you do the work and you don’t have a boss. You can apply here.
You will see lots of hiring ads/ posters in the downtown and city areas where there are many markets and shops. You should visit the shops in person and talk to the manager and hand him your resume. You will get a call for the interview within a few days.
Emergencies: Canada is the safest country but for emergencies, you should call 911 for fire or an ambulance or police.
Seek help:
Talk to different types of people and try to understand diverse cultures. Be friends with good people.
Keep a good relationship with your supervisor/ professors. They are your guardians. If you require more scholarships/ funds, talk with them.
Housing & Rent Agreement: read and sign a rent agreement with your landlord and it ensures rights. If your landlord breaks the agreement (they don’t break it usually), you can complain to the government.
Amazon Prime: As a student, you can get a six-month free membership in Amazon Prime.
Time and discipline: In Canada, people follow rules and maintain time. You must respect it.